Abstract:
Many Non-indigenous teachers experience difficulty teaching Aboriginal Studies and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Due to lack of training, most teachers lack content knowledge and have no confidence that they will be able to 'get it right'. Of those teacher educators who are aware of the need for Aboriginal Studies and Torres Strait Islander Studies in teacher education, many have the same difficulties as teachers. Some other teacher educators, and some institutions, are not aware of the need for Aboriginal Studies and Torres Strait Islander Studies in preservice teacher education. To address these problems the University of New South Wales with Commonwealth funding is developing a compulsory teacher-oriented Aboriginal Studies and Torres Strait Islander Studies subject for student primary teachers as a national pilot.. A Steering Committee comprised of representatives from Aboriginal organisations, education authorities and professional associations is developing the project in consultation with NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Incorporated (NSW AECG), New South Wales Aboriginal Higher Education Network (AHEN) and state/territory reference committees. All materials developed for this subject will be made available nationally. This consultative paper outlines the draft structure of the subject in order to provide a consultative forum for incororating your suggestions for modification.